Shippei

A shippei is a bamboo staff which curves slightly, approximately half a metre long,^[1] which is used as a "symbol of a Zen master's authority" in Zen Buddhism.^[2] In contrast to the keisaku, the shippei was often used as a disciplinary measure for meditating monks. It can often be found at the side of a Zen master in a zendo and is also "one of seven items that make up a Zen monk's equipment."^[1] According to Helen Josephine Baroni, "The shippei is made from a split piece of bamboo, which is bound with wisteria vine and then lacquered."^[2] Sometimes curved in the shape of an S, the shippei may be elaborately decorated with a silk cord or have carvings. It is still "sometimes employed to hit monks."^[3]

See also

• Keisaku

Notes

References

• Baroni, Helen J. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Zen Buddhism. The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. ISBN 0-8239-2240-5. 
• Hori, Victor Sōgen (2003). Zen Sand: The Book of Capping Phrases for Kōan Practice. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-2284-6. 
• Yamada, Koun (2004). The Gateless Gate: The Classic Book of Zen Koans. Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-382-6.